_RFP NSCF-373754-SH.pdf

Request for Proposal No. NSCF-373754-SH for

Shield Block Transportation

This Request for Proposal consists of a model subcontract in Sections A through J and Request for Proposal Sections K through M.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A - AWARD 3

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES 5

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION OF WORK 6

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 7

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 8

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERIODS OF PERFORMANCE 9

SECTION G - SUBCONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 10

SECTION H - SPECIAL SUBCONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 14

SECTION I - SUBCONTRACT CLAUSES 15

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 17

SECTION K—INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 18

SECTION L—INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 19

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 24

Section A - Award

A1. Identification of Parties

This Subcontract is between Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (“FFDG”) and the party identified below as the Subcontractor (“Subcontractor”).

A2. Subcontract Issued Under Prime Contract

This Subcontract is issued under Prime Contract No. 89243024CSC000002 between the United States Government (“Government”), represented by the Department of Energy (“DOE”), and FFDG for the management and operation of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (“FNAL or Fermilab”) and the performance of research and development work.

A3. Relationships

Nothing in this Subcontract shall be deemed as creating any relationship between FFDG and Subcontractor other than that of contractor and subcontractor or buyer and seller. Subcontractor shall not interpret any clause contained herein as being binding or purporting to bind the United States Government, its officers, or its agents.

A4. General Purpose of the Subcontract

The general purpose of this Subcontract is for the transportation of shield blocks from Energy Solutions, Oak Ridge, TN to Fermilab, Batavia, IL, as further described herein.

A.5 Period of Performance

The base period of performance of this Subcontract is effective on Award date and shall continue through December 31, 2026, unless the Subcontract is extended by the exercise of Options by FFDG in accordance with paragraph B4

A6. Order of Precedence

Any inconsistency in this Subcontract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: Section A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I, C, J.

A7. Agreement

The parties agree to perform their respective obligations in accordance with the sections, terms and conditions, the documents referenced or incorporated herein, which constitute the entire Subcontract and shall supersede all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether verbal or written.

A8. Signature

The parties have caused this Subcontract to be executed by their duly authorized agents by their signatures below.

Fill in Subcontractor’s name here Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG)

Signature: Signature:

Name: Name

Title: Title:

Date: Date

Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices

B1. Standards of Performance

The Subcontractor shall perform the work under this Subcontract by using its best efforts and know-ho and its performance shall be accomplished in a workmanlike manner by qualified, careful, and efficient personnel, in accordance with professional standards of care.

B2. Prices

The Subcontractor shall provide the supplies or services at the prices shown in the table below.

Subcontract Line Item Number

(SLIN)

Description

Unit

Prices and Subcontract Type

1 Shield Block Delivery (2 blocks per load) Base Period – from Award Date to Dec 31, 2026

Per load $x.xx

2 Base Fuel Cost (based on 120 gallons per trip) Per gallon $x.xx

B3. Firm Fixed Prices (FFP)

The Firm Fixed Prices (FFP) are not subject to any adjustment by Subcontractor. Only the FFDG Procurement Specialist is authorized to change the Firm Fixed Prices.

B4. Options

FFDG has the right to unilaterally exercise any or all the options shown in the table below. If FFDG exercises its unilateral rights to these options, such rights will be exercised by fill in (date for options will be exercised) or put in the table below to show when each option will be exercised. If FFDG exercises its unilateral right to exercise any or all the options, the deliveries or periods of performance shall be as described in Section F.

SLIN Option Description Option Prices and Subcontract Type

Option 1 Shield Block Delivery (2 blocks per load) Jan 01, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 Price/load –FFP

Option 2 Shield Block Delivery (2 blocks per load) Jan 01, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 Price/load - FFP

Option 3 Shield Block Delivery (2 blocks per load) Jan 01, 2029 – Dec 31, 2029 Price/load - FFP

[END SECTION]

Section C - Description of Work

C1. Standards of Performance

The Subcontractor shall perform the work under this Subcontract by using its best efforts and know-how and its performance shall be accomplished in a workmanlike manner by qualified, careful and efficient personnel, in accordance with professional standards of care.

C2. Conduct of Employees

The Subcontractor shall prepare and submit to the Procurement Specialist and/or distribute, as directed by the Procurement Specialist, such reports concerning technical aspects of the work under this Subcontract, in such a quantity and form (including detail) and at such times, as may be specified in this subcontract, or as may otherwise be specified by the Procurement Specialist.

C3. Conduct of Employees

The Subcontractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to its employees as may be necessary. The Subcontractor shall immediately remove from the work under this Subcontract any employee of the Subcontractor who, in the sole discretion of FFDG, is found to be unsatisfactory in technical performance or personal conduct.

C4. Statement of Work

The Subcontractor shall perform the work in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW) in Attachment J- 1.

Section D - Packaging and Marking

D1. Packaging and Marking

Unless otherwise stated in the Subcontract, the Subcontractor shall adequately package and mark all material, drawings, or other items required under this Subcontract to prevent damage during shipment to FFDG.

Section E - Inspection and Acceptance

E1. Inspection and Acceptance

Inspection and acceptance shall be in accordance with the Specifications and Drawings at Attachment J-3 Loading Blocking and Bracing Plan for Shield Blocks and applicable clauses per Section I.

Section F - Deliveries or Periods of Performance

F1. Deliveries or Periods of Performance

Deliveries or periods of performance shall be in accordance with the following table.

Subcontract Line Item Number

(SLIN)

Option Description

Delivery Dates or Period of Performance (POP)

Option Exercise Date

1 Base Year Date of Award thru Dec 31, 2026

2 Option Year 1 Jan 01, 2027 thru Dec 31, 2027 Dec 01, 2026

3 Option Year 2 Jan 01, 2028 thru Dec 31, 2028 Dec 01, 2027

4 Option Year 3 Jan 01, 2029 thru Dec 31, 2029 Dec 01, 2028

Section G - Subcontract Administration Data

G1. Subcontract Administration

a. FFDG’s Procurement Specialist for this Subcontract is shown below. The FFDG Procurement Specialist or their designate is the only person authorized to make changes in the terms, conditions and requirements of this Subcontract or make modifications to this Subcontract including changes or modifications to the Statement of Work. The Subcontractor shall direct all notices and requests for approval required by this Subcontract to the Procurement Specialist at the following address:

FFDG Procurement Specialist Attention: Sharlene Horton Email: shorton@fnal.gov Phone: (630) 840.2407 Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC Kirk Road & Wilson Street P.O. Box 500 – Mail Station #123 Batavia, IL 60510-0500

b. Any notices and approvals required by this Subcontract from FFDG to the Subcontractor shall be issued by the FFDG Procurement Specialist.

c. FFDG’s Technical Representative for this Subcontract is shown below. The Technical Representative is the person designated to monitor the Subcontract work and to interpret and clarify the technical requirements of the Statement of Work. The Technical Representative is not authorized to make changes to the work or modify any of the terms and conditions, including the schedule and the pricing of this Subcontract.

FFDG Construction Manager Attention: John Szott Email: jszott@fnal.gov Phone: (630) 840-8435 Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC Kirk Road & Wilson Street P.O. Box 500 Batavia, IL 60510-0500

d. Unless otherwise stated in the Subcontract, reports required by the Subcontract shall be separately submitted to the FFD Procurement Specialist and the FFDG Technical Representative. Unless otherwise stated in the Subcontract, the reports shall be submitted by email.

G2. Notification of Potential Changes

The Subcontractor shall provide notification to FFDG of potential changes to this subcontract (including Task mailto:shorton@fnal.gov mailto:jszott@fnal.gov

Orders). The primary purpose of this clause is to obtain prompt reporting by the Subcontractor of circumstances or FFDG actions that the Subcontractor considers to constitute a change to this Subcontract.

The Subcontractor shall notify the FFDG Procurement Specialist in writing of any actions, inactions, or communications by FFDG that the Subcontractor regards as a potential change to the Subcontract. This notice requirement does not apply to formal change orders identified as such in writing and signed by the FFDG Procurement Specialist pursuant to the Subcontract’s Changes clause. The Subcontractor shall provide the notice promptly, but no later than ten calendar days from the date that the Subcontractor identifies the potential change. Based on the most accurate information available to the Subcontractor, the notice shall state:

1. The date, nature, and circumstances of the conduct regarded as change;

2. The name, function, and activity of each FFDG individual and Subcontractor official or the employee involved in or knowledgeable about such conduct;

3. The identification of any documents and the substance of any oral communication involved in such conduct;

4. In the instance of alleged acceleration of scheduled performance or delivery, the basis upon which it arose; and

5. The elements of Subcontract performance for which the Subcontractor may seek an equitable adjustment under this clause.

G3. Invoices

All invoices shall be emailed to apinvoices@fnal.gov with a copy to the Procurement Specialist at shorton@fnal.gov.

The subject line of the email shall state the Subcontractor’s name and the Subcontract number.

If the Subcontractor is unable to submit an invoice by email, it may submit the invoice to the following address: FFDG Accounts Payable

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory P.O. Box 500 – Mail Station 112 Batavia, IL 60510

G3.1 General Invoice Requirements

Invoices shall be sent electronically to APINVOICES@FNAL.GOV.

Invoices shall contain the following information:

a) Subcontractor name as stated in the Subcontract

b) Remittance address

c) Telephone number and/or email address of person requesting payment

d) Subcontractor's statement that the invoice is correct

e) FFDG purchase order/subcontract number mailto:apinvoices@fnal.gov mailto:APINVOICES@FNAL.GOV

f) Invoice number

g) Invoice date

h) Total invoice amount

i) Description, incurred cost, and quantity of materials, property, or services delivered or completed

j) A detailed description of services provided and dates of service

k) Payment terms

l) Other documentation as required by the Subcontract.

G3.2 Special Invoice Requirements

a. Submission of Invoices

(1) Invoices for Routine Services: The invoice shall be submitted monthly by the 10th day of the following month. No partial payment requests will be considered for hours worked.

(2) Invoices for Special Services: The invoice shall be submitted monthly with a consolidated electronic spreadsheet which includes individual service invoices which reflect FFDG acceptance of the work. The spreadsheet shall reference the Subcontract number, area where such services were provided, a detailed description of services provided, hours worked, hourly rate, total price, name, mail station, phone number of requestors, and chargeable project/task code(s).

b. All invoices shall be emailed to apinvoices@fnal.gov and to the Procurement Specialist at shorton@fnal.gov. The subject line of the email shall state the Subcontractor’s name and the Subcontract number.

c. All invoices shall include: Subcontract number; SLIN; Subcontractor’s name (including business heading or logo); invoice date; unique invoice number; and remittance address; and should sufficiently identify and support the payment requested.

d. FFDG SHALL PAY THE Subcontractor, upon the submission of proper invoices, and in accordance with Attachment J-2, FFDG General terms and conditions. FFDG shall reimburse the subcontractor for the reasonable cost as documented in the performance of the Subcontract.

G4. Payment Schedule

FFDG shall pay the Subcontractor, upon the submission of proper invoices in accordance with any requirements from the clauses referenced in Section I, the prices stipulated in this Subcontract for supplies delivered and accepted or services rendered and accepted, less any deductions provided in this Subcontract.

G5. Closeout

The Subcontractor shall, as a condition of full payment, assist FFDG after the completion of the work in accomplishing the administrative closeout of this Subcontract, including, as necessary or required, the mailto:apinvoices@fnal.gov mailto:shorton@fnal.gov.

furnishing of documentation and reports, the disposition of property, the disclosure of any inventions, the execution of any required assignment or release documents, the performance of any audits, and the settlement of any interim or disallowed costs.

Section H - Special Subcontract Requirements

H1. FFDG Furnished U.S. Government Property

Currently there is no known FFDG Furnished Property being provided to the Subcontractor. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Services Performed at SURF, Subcontractor is responsible for the risk of loss for Government Property in its care, custody, and control.

H2. Insurance

The insurance requirements for this Subcontract are as shown in Attachment J-X. In addition, to the minimum insurance requirements stated in Attachment J-X, Subcontractor is required to maintain insurance coverages as required by the laws of the state in which it operates.

H3. Supervision

FFDG employees shall not direct or supervise Subcontractor's employees, either directly or indirectly. The Subcontractor is solely responsible for directing and supervising its employees.

H4. Additional Requirements

Subcontractor compliance with all the orders, regulations, plans, manuals, and other directives listed in the Statement of Work and in the Incorporated Documents is a material term of this Subcontract.

Section I - Subcontract Clauses

I1. General Clauses

The general terms and conditions for this Subcontract are as listed in Attachments J-2. The clauses listed in those Attachments shall be applicable to this Subcontract as stated therein based on the value of the Subcontract, the status of the Subcontractor, and the nature and location of the work. The Subcontractor shall flow down to sub- tier subcontractors the clauses as specified in those Attachments.

I2. Economic Price Adjustment - Fuel Surcharge Clause

(a) To the extent that contract fuel cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the Subcontractor warrants that the prices in this contract for any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent fuel cost increases.

(b) The fuel cost index, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the “Weekly Retail On- Highway Diesel Prices Index – Midwest Region” found at:

Midwest (PADD 2) Gasoline and Diesel Retail Prices

The Base Fuel Cost, for the purpose of price adjustments under this clause, shall be the most recent Index Weekly Average Diesel Fuel Price per gallon published prior to the closing date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of final proposal revisions if discussions are held.

(c)For purposes of this clause, it will be conclusively presumed that (±)10% increase or decrease of the Base Fuel Cost represents a reasonable fluctuation of diesel fuel prices. The Base Fuel Cost (±) 10% price range will be determined for the base contract year and will remain constant throughout the life of the contract, including option years. Base Fuel Cost price range is documented at time of contract award.

(d) Increases (or decreases) in the diesel fuel costs (Base Fuel Cost (±) 10%) as listed on the Index two weeks prior to the end of each calendar quarter can trigger a notification from FFDG to the Subcontractor for cost adjustments. Notice will be in writing no less than ten days prior to the beginning of the next quarter.

(e) The adjustment will be made as a per gallon increase or decrease based on the Base Fuel Cost (±) 10%.

The difference is rounded down to the nearest whole 10 cents and will be added to the last line of each invoice noted as “Fuel Adjustment”. The standard gallons per trip will be 120.

Fuel Surcharge Calculations EXAMPLE

Plus or Minus 10%

Change

Round down to nearest

$.10

Gallons per trip

Fuel Surcharge added to each

Invoice

Base Price Example $4.20 $4.62 to $3.78

Example Increase $4.80 $4.80-$4.62 = $0.18 $0.10 120 $12.00 https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_dcus_r20_w.htm

Example Decrease $3.29 $3.78-$3.29 = $0.49 $0.40 120 $48.00

(f) Once approved, the date for contract fuel price adjustment will be the first Monday of the first month of each quarter unless otherwise designated at time of contract award.

(g) The Procurement Specialist shall retain a copy of the Base Fuel Index establishing the Base Fuel Cost and the calculation of the price range incorporating the (±) 10% adjustment in the contract file. All subsequent changes will be documented within the contract file and communicated to the subcontractor via email ten days prior to the fuel price adjustment implementation.

(h) Any adjustments for fuel price changes will only be implemented if requested in writing, reviewed by both parties, and provided within the designated time frames. No retroactive cost adjustments will be made. A contract modification will be issued at inception of first increase or decrease detailing Base Fuel Cost, price range, and calculation of first fuel adjustment charge. Adjustment will remain in effect with quarterly calculation changes as needed until price falls within Base Fuel Cost price range. A contract modification will be issued to terminate the adjustment when price returns to Base Fuel Cost (±) 10% price range.

(i) In the event that “the Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy” discontinues, or substantially alters its method of calculating the national average diesel fuel prices cited herein, the parties shall mutually agree upon an appropriate substitute for determining the price adjustment described herein. If the Procurement Specialist determines the Index consistently and substantially fails to reflect market conditions, the Procurement Specialist may modify the contract to specify use of an appropriate substitute Index, effective on the date the Index specified herein begins to consistently and substantially fail to reflect market conditions.

(j) Any dispute arising under this clause shall be determined in accordance with and subject to the “Disputes” clause of the contract.

Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

J1. Incorporated Documents

The following documents are incorporated as a part of this Subcontract.

Number Description/Title Revision and/or Date

J-1 Shield Block Transportation SOW Jan 2022

J-2 FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Services 01/2025 J-3 Price Evaluation Form Revision 0

J-4 Loading, Blocking and Bracing Plan for Shield Blocks Revision 0

J-5 Onsite Non-Professional Services Insurance Requirements 08/2025

J-6 Energy Solutions Driver and Truck Requirements 01/11/2025

Section K—Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors

K1. Incorporated Documents

The following documents are incorporated as a part of this Subcontract.

Number Description/Title Revision and/or Date

K-1 Pur-466 Proposal Certifications r4 09/24/2025

K-2 SARC Subcontractor Annual Reps & Certs Rev 5

K-3 FL-11 Organizational Conflict of Interest (COI) Certification_r1 07/12/2021

Section L—Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors The following requirements must be adhered to for the Offeror’s submission of Proposals to Fermi Forward

Discovery Group (FFDG) in support of this specific requirement:

L1. Proposal Response and Due Date and Time

Proposals shall be submitted via email to Sharlene Horton at shorton@fnal.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time on October 15, 2025.

Representations and Certifications must be:

Submitted on the forms furnished by FFDG or on copies of those forms, which have been manually signed and scanned.

The person signing the Representations and Certifications must initial each erasure or change appearing on a completed form.

The Offeror’s Representations and Certifications shall be signed by an authorized representative of the company.

Submit an email with 1 scanned pdf copy of the Price/Contractual Proposal volume.

L2. Inquiries and Questions

Direct all price/contractual and technical questions that you may have concerning this RFP in writing via email to shorton@fnal.gov. All inquiries and questions regarding this solicitation must be received no later than

October 10, 2025, in order to allow FFDG sufficient time to respond prior to the proposal due date. Offerors shall reference the solicitation number in the subject line of the email correspondence. The person designated below shall be the only contact for all inquiries regarding any aspect of this RFP and its requirements.

Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC Attention: Sharlene Horton LBNF Procurement Specialist Phone: 630.840.2407 Email: shorton@fnal.gov

Responses to written questions, which involve an interpretation or change to this RFP, will be issued in writing by an RFP amendment and mailed to all parties recorded by FFDG as having received a copy of the RFP. All such amendments issued by FFDG prior to the time that FFDG receives proposals shall be considered part of the RFP.

Companies receiving this RFP other than directly from FFDG Procurement are responsible for notifying the

FFDG contact for RFP inquiries that they are in receipt of an RFP package, and for providing a company name, contact name, and email address in the event an amendment is issued.

Only additional information provided by formal written amendment shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications are not binding on FFDG.

L3. Explanation to Prospective Offerors

Any explanation desired by a prospective Offeror regarding the meaning or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specification, etc., must be requested with sufficient time to allow for a reply to reach all prospective

Offerors before submission of their offers. Any information given to a prospective Offeror will be furnished to all prospective Offerors if such information is necessary in submitting offers or if the lack of such information would be prejudicial to any other prospective Offerors.

Direct any question concerning RFP in writing to:

Sharlene Horton Procurement Specialist shorton@fnal.gov 630.840.2407

L4. Minimum Offer Acceptance Period

“Acceptance period,” as used in this provision, means the number of calendar days available to FFDG for awarding a Subcontract from the date specified in this RFP. Once awarded a Subcontract, the Offeror agrees to perform in compliance with the Subcontract terms.

FFDG requires a minimum acceptance period of 90 calendar days.

An offer allowing less than FFDG’s minimum acceptance period may be rejected.

L5. Evaluation of Proposals

An Evaluation Team will evaluate the proposals. Offerors should be prepared to respond to requests by the Evaluation Team for responses and/or site visits deemed necessary to assist in the detailed evaluation process.

Failure to complete any section of the Proposal may render the proposal insufficient, and it may not be evaluated. All items requested herein will be considered in the evaluation process. FFDG may conduct negotiations with any Offeror to resolve inadequacies or clarify issues in submittals

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with this RFP.

FFDG shall evaluate proposals for award purposes without considering any conditions or contingencies.

Negotiations may be conducted with those Offerors submitting technically acceptable proposals.

L6. Reserved

L7 Acknowledgment of Amendments to Solicitations

Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (a) by signing and returning the amendment; (b) by e-mail to shorton@fnal.gov; or (c) by completing the Representations, Certifications and Acknowledgments (Form SARC). FFDG must receive the acknowledgment by the time and at the place specified for receipt of offers.

L8. Responsible Offerors

FFDG reserves the right to award a Subcontract only to a responsible Offeror. A responsible Offeror is defined as a company that demonstrates the financial ability, resources, skills, capability, willingness, and business integrity necessary to perform the Subcontract. FFDG determination of whether an Offeror is responsible is at FFDG’s sole discretion.

L9. Reserved

L10. Submission of Proposals

The Offeror’s written proposal shall be submitted electronically to the e-mail address listed below: The subject, title, or description line of all email correspondence shall include the RFP number.

shorton@fnal.gov Attention: Sharlene Horton Procurement Specialist Subject: LBNF-373754-SAH

The cover page of an electronic Proposal shall list the solicitation number, due date and time, and the name and address of the Offeror. Facsimile offers will not be considered.

L11. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals

Any proposal received at the email designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless it is in the best interest of FFDG to evaluate it, and it is received before award is made.

L12. Requirements for Proposal

L12.1 Proposal Format for Criterion 1:

Provide a Corporate Summary that showcases the experience over the past five (5) years.

Include your facility’s physical address, standard hours and days of operations and identify observed holidays.

L12.3 Proposal Format for Criterion 3

Provide a corporate safety plan and include last three (3) years of Experience Modification Rate (EMR).

EMR must be less than one (1).

L12.4 Proposal Format for Criterion 4 Provide a minimum of three (3) references from previous employers relating to transportation work.

L13. Certified Cost or Pricing Data

Offerors are not required to submit certified cost or pricing data with their offers; however, such data may be requested at a later date.

L14. Exceptions

FFDG warns Offerors that taking exceptions to any term or condition of this RFP (including submitting any alternate proposals that requires relaxation of a requirement) may make an Offeror ineligible for subcontract award. If exceptions are taken, Offerors shall identify the section or attachment of the RFP and paragraph or clause designation which the Offeror is taking exception to. The reason for any exception(s) shall be clearly stated in the Offeror’s proposal.

L15. Release of Claims, Liability, and Preparation Expenses

This RFP does not commit FFDG to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer or for any other such costs incurred prior to the execution of a Subcontract.

L16. Award of Subcontract

Unless specified otherwise elsewhere in this Request for Proposal, the Subcontract will be awarded to the responsible Offeror whose offer represents the best value, total cost of the acquisition and other factors considered.

FFDG reserves the right to reject any or all offers and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

Except as may otherwise be provided in the Request for Proposal, FFDG may accept any item or group of items of any offer, unless the Offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations.

FFDG may accept within the time specified therein, any offer (or part thereof, as provided in (c) above), whether or not there are negotiations subsequent to its receipt. If subsequent negotiations are conducted, they shall not constitute a rejection or counteroffer on the part of the FFDG.

It is FFDG’s intent to award based on initial offers. Accordingly, each offer should be submitted on the most favorable terms, from a price and technical standpoint that the Offeror can submit. However, FFDG may allow for proposal revisions if FFDG deems it necessary.

L17. Subcontracting

Unless otherwise specified, the successful Offeror shall be responsible for performance of any lower-tier subcontractor that may perform work under this Subcontract. Performance by a lower- tier subcontractor employee is subject to FFDG consent and will be considered in FFDG’s evaluation. The FFDG Subcontractor must ensure that any lower-tier subcontractor abides by all terms and conditions and requirements of the FFDG

Subcontract.

L18. Summary

The prospective Offeror is hereby reminded to review all attachments and terms and conditions of this solicitation prior to submitting their written proposal. All proposals must be submitted in accordance with this Request for Proposal and with all related requirements, representations, and certifications.

Proposals shall include the following submittals:

• Price/Contractual Proposal

• PUR-466 Proposal Certifications Form

• Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC)

• Subcontractor Safety Plan

• Subcontractor QA Plan

• Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable)

• References to current or past experience in similar business circumstances

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

M1. Basis for Subcontract Award

a. FFDG expects to award a Subcontract to an Offeror who is deemed responsible, whose proposal conforms to this solicitation’s requirements, and will be most advantageous to FFDG, cost or price, and other factors, specified elsewhere in this solicitation, considered.

b. FFDG expects to award only one Subcontract as a result of this solicitation. However, FFDG may reject any or all proposals and not make any award based on this solicitation.

c. FFDG may waive any informality or minor irregularity in proposal(s) received at its sole discretion. At its discretion, FFDG may accept a proposal not conforming to the prescribed format if FFDG determines that it is in the best interest of FFDG and the DOE.

FFDG reserves the right to award without discussions with Offerors. Accordingly, Offerors should submit their best proposal.